"Confirmation of a final alignment for the SH20 Waterview Connection with 160 fewer properties required is welcome Christmas news," said Auckland Business Forum chairman Michael Barnett.

He was commenting on a NZ Transport Agency Board announcement that a final alignment for SH20 from Mt Roskill to the Northwestern Motorway has been confirmed that reduces the number of houses affected to 205 compared to the 365 estimated in May when the combined surface tunnel option was announced.

The Waterview Connection is the last link in a Western Ring Route that will give Auckland a 52km alternative motorway route for bypassing central Auckland, and complete a piece of infrastructure that is vital to linking Auckland together and helping to service our future economic success.

Today’s announcement confirms a construction start by mid-2011 and a 2015 completion. “We anticipate a ‘call-in’ announcement from Government shortly to enable a single resource consent hearing,” concluded Mr Barnett.